Licence granted to Kirkcaldy community radio station

KYFM Kirkcaldy community radio team. From left, Colin Johnston, John Murray, Graeme Logan

Published:12:30Thursday 24 January 2013

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he airwaves over Kirkcaldy will soon be ringing with some new voices after community radio station KYFM was given the go ahead last week.

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom announced that it would grant an FM licence for the programme for the next five years.

KYFM is the brainchild of three local radio enthusiasts - John Murray, Colin Johnston and Graeme Logan.

Together they have a wealth of experience behind them in commercial, community and hospital radio.

John said: “It all started back in 2011. It was announced that Ofcom were going to have a new round of applications for community radio licences, so we thought ‘Lets have community radio in Fife’. “

Now, close to one year later, the trio can get to work on creating a community hub specially made for Kirkcaldy and the surrounding areas.

“The business will be run as a charity for the community of Kirkcaldy,” John added. “We’ve had to start thinking about who we can get support from, be it Kirkcaldy4All or Fife Council, and we have been in contact with people already and the support received has been quite good.”

Now that the licence has been granted, they must also start looking for studio premises as well as transmission equipment and the most important thing - people to get involved.

“I know there will be lots of people asking where can they hear it, but we haven’t even got a frequency yet, so we can’t buy equipment or get premises until we do,” said John.

“We have two years to get on air, so that gives us definite targets to work towards and gives us time to apply for grants and support.

“I would say it will maybe be a year before everything is up and running.

“We really want people to get involved and are looking for supporters. We’ll be taking on members and having open meetings where we can take on board what people want to hear.”

Fellow director Colin explained how important a venture like this is for a town like Kirkcaldy.

“Community radio like this is important to let people know what’s going on.

“Whether it’s police emergencies, road closures, local events - whatever people should know about in the community.”

He continued: “Something like this can help also people to develop their skills in radio and presentation too. We could have daily entertainment programmes, chat shows, interviews. We might even do something for what’s on in Fife, and we could speak to the Kino in Glenrothes and the Adam Smith Theatre.

“This is going to be an open book for the community and will feature the things they will be interested in.”